Master of Science in

Diplomacy

and International Affairs

EUCLID: an intergovernmental

treaty-based organization under

public international law

www.euclid.int

In this Brochure, you will find:

♦ A word from the Secretary-General

♦ Program Overview

♦ Program Objec"ves

♦ Admission Requirements

♦ Methodology

♦ Program Courses

♦ Credit Values

♦ Accredita"on

♦ Peers and Alumni

♦ Language Requirements

♦ How to Apply

♦ Summary and Outcome

Revised 02/2019

What you need to know:

♦ This is an online (distance-learning) pro-

gram with no residency requirements.

♦ Enrollment is continuous and asynchro-

nous, which means that approved appli-

cants may start at any time.

♦ By order of priority, eligible applicants

are: (1) officials of the EUCLID Participat-

ing States (2) officials working for other

States (3) staff of international organiza-

tions (4) ECOWAS region general public

students (5) general public students from

the rest of the world.

♦ This a low-tuition program with scholar-

ship opportunities, offered by an inter-

governmental (non-profit, public) organi-

zation under treaty authority.

♦ As an intergovernmental institution reg-

istered with the United Nations, EUCLID

has headquartered in Bangui and Banjul

but also maintains international liaison

offices in many cities.

Program Overview

The EUCLID MDIA is a highly specialized and practi-

cal graduate program that is primarily designed for

active diplomats and governmental officials. Is not

“US” or “EU” or “UK” or “China” centric but rather

reflect a truly global and intergovernmental vision.

This online-delivered program aims at “preparing

expert leaders for international civil service and

global careers.”

WWW.EUCLID.INT | SCHOOL OF DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

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A message from the EUCLID Secretary-General

Joint Success...

EUCLID is a rare and remarkable institution in today’s

world, and we expect you—our potential future

student and stakeholder—to be equally rare and

outstanding.

We expect you to be persistent, determined to

overcome all obstacles to achieve your personal and

professional goals.

You should be passionate about your proposed field

of study, an avid and fast reader whose aim is to

achieve depth of understanding, excellence and

quality as a professional and subject-matter expert.

You should be willing (and able) to absorb a vast

amount of knowledge and to acquire critical skills in

peripheral areas such as IT, marketing and public

speaking.

EUCLID has built a bridge that reminds us of the

amazing Millau Viaduct in France. This bridge was

inaugurated in 2004 and represents a tremendous

human achievement. EUCLID, likewise, was launched

in 2004 and is now one of the world’s few

intergovernmental universities with a UN-registered

treaty-based charter. Other similar institutions

include the United Nations University, the European

University Institute, the University of Central Asia

and the University for Peace.

From being a mere vision in 2004 to becoming a

respected international actor ten years later, we

know that the road to achievement requires absolute

dedication, an ever-renewed commitment to

outstanding service and impeccable moral character.

In short, we seek students who will blend with

EUCLID and become life-long stakeholders in our

joint success.

Global Issues, Global Education...

We are an international intergovernmental

organization, focused on sustainable economic

development and global engagement. Are you?

If news headlines are dominated by institutions that

stand out with their exclusive “.int” extension

(imf.int, ecb.int, who.int; “.int” domains are restricted

to treaty-based organizations), should not your alma

-mater also stand out with its “.int” extension and

intergovernmental status?

Apart from the institutional aspect, the program

documented in this brochure is equally a reflection of

this ambitious philosophy: intellectual rigor and

openness, excellence in written and oral

communication, broad and deep coverage of this

vast field of knowledge and practice.

Being accepted in and completing such a program

would certainly be a tremendous achievement and an

open door to a new realm of possibilities. The

question is not simply “Are you qualified?” - it really

is: “Are you ready and willing?”

We look forward to this encounter.

Sincerely,

Syed Zahid Ali

Secretary-General Email: secgen@euclid.int

EUCLID—PÔLE UNIVERSITAIRE EUCLIDE: AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

4

Overview

The EUCLID MDIA (Master in Diplomacy and

International Affairs) is a distance-delivered,

non-resident degree program offered by

EUCLID (Euclid University), an

intergovernmental treaty-based organization

serving 12 Participating States globally, and

headquartered in Bangui.

Its goal is to prepare graduate-level

professionals for high-level positions in the

vast realm of international relations with

intergovernmental and non-governmental

organizations, as well as multinational

corporations and related actors such as the

news media or global financial services firms.

Program Objectives

This Master's degree program focuses on the

application of theoretical knowledge to real-

world diplomatic practice, rather than on the

advancement of academic knowledge for its

own sake.

The degree was primarily designed to train

government staff already working in the field,

but it is certainly suitable to prepare other

professionals and outstanding students for

careers with governmental bodies, NGOs,

multinational corporations and international

organizations such as the European Union, the

African Union, ECOWAS, etc.

On account of its low tuition and institutional

relationships, it is of special interest to

European, African and “Small Islands” students.

The EUCLID MDIA is a unique program in the

sense that it is the only Master’s Degree

program in the field of diplomacy and

international relations actually offered by an

intergovernmental organization, thus allowing

direct interaction with practitioners as well as

opening rare internship opportunities at

diplomatic missions and events.

Admission Requirements

- Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or

its international equivalent, issued by an

institution recognized or accredited by the

appropriate public agency.

- Government-sponsored applicants (who are

already government staff) may be admitted

without a Bachelor’s degree if their level of

education and experience is deemed sufficient.

EUCLID may require these participants to

complete bridge courses prior to enrolling in the

MDIA.

- Fluency in English (spoken and written) is

required and will be tested. Proficiency in

French or another major language is

recommended.

- Students are expected to be in position to

dedicate 10 to 15 effective hours of study on a

weekly basis.

Methodology

This program is offered on an asynchronous

and open-enrollment basis with occasional

sequencing in cohorts or groups.

The MDIA is personalized for every student and

consists in a sequence of courses which are

delivered using the following methods / media

formats:

♦ Standard textbooks

♦ DVD lectures

♦ MP3 podcasts and webcasts

♦ Internal EUCLID course packs

♦ Moderated conference calls

WWW.EUCLID.INT | SCHOOL OF DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Typically, a course consists of a series of assigned

materials that must be studied on an individual basis.

Courses assignments include short response papers,

the composition of major academic papers based on

the textbooks, and the creation of quizzes which

should demonstrate the student’s grasp of the

subject-matter scope and particulars.

Students are often connected in “pairs” or “trios” in

order to facilitate interaction and exchange on

coursework learning, while moving along in the

program at their own pace.

Each course is capped by an extensive 45-minute

long oral examination (using Skype) which allows the

supervising instructor to enter the composite final

grade.

Overall, this program emphasizes the ability to

understand systemic interactions among courses,

and the ability to express logical, respectful and

persuasive arguments by means of publishable

academic papers. Indeed, the ability to write

professional, journal-grade papers is one of the

essential objectives of this program. All students

must complete the program having acquired and

demonstrated graduate-level expertise in a specific

aspect of economic development that will be of

lasting interest to academia, government or the

private sector.

The curriculum also calls for the ability to present

oral reports or lectures (webcasts), delivered to the

course tutor in audio and/or video format.

Courses:

EUCLID MDIA Course Sequence (including optional

courses marked with *):

- International Academic Writing and Speaking

(ACA-401 / BCOM-252*) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- Argumentation and Critical Thinking

(TPH-499) (2 UCH/3 ECTS)

- Understanding Race and Ethnic Relations*

(ANTH-362) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- Cultural Dimension of International Business*

(ANTH-638) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- Careers in International Relations*

(DIP-402) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- Diplomacy: Theory and Practice

(DIP-401) (4 UCH / 6 ECTS)

- International Law and Treaty Law

(LAW-INT1) (5 UCH / 7.5 ECTS)

- Understanding International Conflicts

(DIP-411) (4 UCH / 6 ECTS)

- Introduction to the United Nations System

(DIP-801) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- International Relations / 50 Thinkers Review

(DIP-413) (4 UCH / 6 ECTS)

- Foreign Affairs Review

(DIP-400) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- Negotiation and Conflict Management

(DIP-502) (3 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)

- Diplomatic History of Europe*

(DIP-705) (3 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)

- Diplomacy, Oil, Energy*

(DIP-707) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- Diplomacy and Religion*

(DIP-706) (3 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)

- Multilateral Diplomacy

(DIP-405) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- Intergovernmental Organizations

(DIP-406) (4 UCH / 6 ECTS)

- Diplomatic Protocol and Immunities*

EUCLID—PÔLE UNIVERSITAIRE EUCLIDE: AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

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(DIP-607) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)

- MDIA Research Paper or Thesis*

(DIP-606) (3-6 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)

Each course is fully documented by means of a

detailed syllabus (program syllabi are always

available online with full documentation of

academic coursework).

Optional Specializations:

In consultation with his or her assigned tutor, the

student may also pursue directed studies, for a

value of 2-6 UCH / 3-9 ECTS, in the following areas

of research and concentration:

- International Law and Treaty Law

- Small islands issues

- Inter-ethnic and inter-religious relations

- E-Government

- Sustainable Economic Development

- African Union International Relations

- European Union International Relations

Credit Values

Credit values are expressed both in terms of USCH

(US credit hour) and ECTS (European Credit

Transfer System). Typically, 14 hours of classroom

instruction over the course of 1 semester

represents 1 USCH or 1.5 ECTS (plus self-study

time), which is converted to the equivalent amount

of study in the context of a distance program.

The total credit value for the completed MDIA,

according to international standards, is 36-40

USCH / 54-60 ECTS.

Accreditation and Recognition

EUCLID (Euclid University / Pôle Universitaire

Euclide) is an intergovernmental organization with

a university charter established by multilateral

treaty in 2008. The treaty itself is registered and

published in full by the United Nations Treaty

Section with certificate references I-

49006/49007 (visit http://treaties.un.org).

As indicated by a United Nations letter (0218/

RCA/MP/ONU-12), EUCLID (and the UN-related

institutions including the United Nations

University, the European University Institute, the

World Maritime University, and the IMO

International Maritime Law Institute) are

recognized by the United Nations and UNESCO as

being accredited.

EUCLID is duly listed in the UNESCO/IAU World

Higher Education Database (WHED).

Having the status of intergovernmental non-profit

institution under public international law (like

NATO or the World Bank), EUCLID offers degree

programs under Article I of its Charter.

It is one of the few universities that enjoying

international law accreditation or validation by

multiple governments spanning 3 continents

(Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific). EUCLID has full

diplomatic status in its headquarters State, and

EUCLID degree bear the seal of the Ministry of For-

eign Affairs for authentication.

EUCLID’s institutional and program accreditation is

also confirmed by 3 agreements signed with sever-

al other intergovernmental organizations (ICCI,

ECOWAS, CAFRAD, LLPI).

This graduate program specifically follows

international guidelines for a master’s degree, and

it is fully documented to facilitate international

transfers. A standard EU ‘Diploma Supplement’ is

available upon request after graduation.

For more information, visit:

http://www.euclid.int/accreditation.asp

http://www.euclid.int/academicstandards.asp

7

Language Requirements

All students must be fluent in English and should

consider becoming conversant in French, Spanish,

Arabic, Chinese or another major world language in

addition to English.

How to apply

All interested students must apply online at

www.euclid.int

Government-sponsored applicants may apply online

in the same manner as the general public, but they

should also contact their National Point of Contact to

secure formal endorsement.

The EUCLID Admissions Officer will send to all

applicants an updated version of the “Admissions

Checklist” which explains the required

documentation to provide and the steps to be

followed.

It must be emphasized that completing a distance

study program at EUCLID requires determination and

persistence. This same trait is expected in applicants

who should not expect to be pursued by the

Admissions team but rather actively pursue

enrollment at EUCLID.

Summary and Outcome

It is fair to say that EUCLID’s programs are better

described as ‘distance’ rather than ‘online’ study

programs. This means that students do not have to

connect at a particular day and time to participate in

bulletin board discussions as is often the case with

‘online’ programs.

Rather, our programs emphasize the ability to absorb

a vast amount of material on a personal basis, which

makes them suitable for fast readers who on their

own have a record of intense book reading and

passionate interest in their field of study.

EUCLID evaluates the applicant’ interpersonal and

teamwork skills—which are essential for personal and

professional success—on the basis of prior experience

confirmed by means of an extensive personal

interview. Because EUCLID was established to serve

active diplomats and other government officials, it is

expected that these professional skills will have been

acquired and demonstrated in the course of the

applicant’s career.

In some cases, EUCLID may propose specific courses

(which may not even be listed as electives) in order

to bring inter-personal skills (including public

speaking) to executive level.

Upon completion of the program, every student is

expected to have become a subject-matter expert in

a practical diplomacy.

Students planning to continue their studies with a

doctorate should request the full master’s thesis

option which extends the credit requirement for the

MDIA.

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Faculty Commitment

EUCLID has a limited but outstanding faculty roster,

which explains the limited amount of available slots for doctoral students.

All our faculty members are dedicated to staying in touch with their assigned students and to provide not only timely but also quality responses and feedback throughout the course work process.

Doctoral Backgrounds

More than 70% of EUCLID faculty members hold

doctorates from internationally recognized

institutions, including:

♦ Oxford University, UK

♦ University of Vaasa, Finland

♦ Harvard University, US

♦ Cornell University, US

♦ UNISA, South Africa

♦ London School of Economics, UK

♦ University of Ghent, Belgium

Faculty Highlights

Dr Roberto Rodriguez is the primary faculty for

specialized diplomacy courses including DIP-401

(Diplomacy in Theory and Practice). A former

ambassador himself, Rodriguez (photo below, right)

has acquired extensive experience as a lifelong

distance learner, and holds a Ph.D. in Educational

Policy and Administration from the University of

Minnesota , a Juris Doctor from Northwestern

California School of Law, as well as a Master’s and

Doctorate in Diplomacy and International Affairs

from the University of Malta and EUCLID. He is the

author of Japan on the Edge: An inquiry into the Japanese Government's Struggle for Superpower Status and UN Security Council Membership at the Edge of Decline.

Pr Mark Scully is responsible for seeing students

through the critical LAW-INT1 which deals with

international and treaty law. Students will benefits

from their instructor’s extensive and practical

experience with the government of Australia at the

Treaties Secretariat, Department of Foreign Affairs

and Trade. Pr. Scully is the principal author of the

important and practical text: “Binding and Non-

Binding Instruments in Intergovernmental Relations:

Legal Foundations and Practical Recommendations.”

For a current listing of faculty profiles with full

biographies, please visit www.euclid.int under

Academics > Faculty Profiles

Photo: A senior EUCLID official assessing educational

satisfaction during an official visit at a EUCLID

Participating State Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Faculty Profiles

WWW.EUCLID.INT | SCHOOL OF DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

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Are scholarships and financial aid available?

Yes, for developing country students. Applicants

residing in a non-OECD country should seek

information by contacting our Admissions Office or

by visiting our ‘Scholarships’ webpage. EUCLID does

not accept US Title IV financial aid.

Does the distance format provide the same

quality of education offered on a traditional

campus?

Yes. The dropout rate is higher with distance

education because working professionals do not

always realize that finding 10-15 dedicated hours of

intense studying every week is a serious challenge. In

terms of quality however, numerous studies have

proven that distance learners perform as well or

better than their on-campus counterparts. A

research study (The No Significant Difference Phenomenon by Thomas L. Russell) cites 355 research reports, papers, and summaries showing no

significant difference between distance learning and

in-class learning. Where a difference was identified, it

generally favored the distance-learning student.

Will my diploma say “Online” degree?

No. Graduates receive the official, traditional diploma

which is bilingual French / English.

Is EUCLID accredited and recognized?

Yes, EUCLID is recognized and accredited under inter-

national law, as is confirmed by the letter of the

United Nations Secretariat (0218/RCA/MP/ONU-12,

dated 10 December 2012 ) and is verifiable from the

UNESCO/IAU WHED system as well as other official

resources.

How long will the program last?

The program consists of a series of courses of

variable credit-value and therefore duration. The

computer system will assign a target date and

deadline based on the course credit value.

Effective and dedicated part-time students have

been able to complete their coursework within 18—

24 months of beginning the program.

Do you accept transfer credits or grant credits

based on work experience and certifications?

Yes. EUCLID may, on a case-by-case basis, assess

transfer credit up to a maximum of twelve credits.

While the majority of our students have years of

work experience, this cannot be used as a substitute

for coursework.

How much does the program cost?

Please visit the EUCLID website at www.euclid.int for

an explanation of the tuition and fees for this

program. You may also contact our Admissions

Officer for further information regarding cost and

applicable financial aid / scholarships.

Where is EUCLID located?

EUCLID has its headquarters in Bangui and Banjul, as

well as liaison offices around the world. EUCLID

France is located in Montpellier.

Will I need to travel to Washington DC, Bangui,

Brussels or Banjul, etc.?

No. This program does not have a residency

requirement.

Do I need an Internet connection to qualify?

Yes. All students must have easy and regular access

to a high-speed connection, which means fast

enough to conduct an international phone call / web-

conference using Skype.

When can I begin the program?

Enrollment is continuous and students may typically

start 2-3 weeks after being accepted.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Official Headquarters (“Francophonie”)

Avenue de France (Campus ENAM) / BP 157

Bangui

Central African Republic

Tel.: +236 21 61 52 80 | 72 04 55 02

Official Headquarters (ECOWAS)

Brusubi Roundabout at AU Highway—PMB 819

Brusubi

The Gambia

Tel.: +220 999 55 97

US Liaison Office to the Permanent Missions (USA)

EUCLID / Euclid Global Institute

1101 30th Street NW Suite #500

Washington, DC 20007, USA

Tel.: +1 202 263-3628

Office of the Institutional High Steward (Dr. Juan C. Avila)

Permanent Mission of the Dominican Republic to the United Nations

144 East 44th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10017

New York, NY 10017, USA

Tel.: +1 212-867-0833

Pôle Universitaire Euclide (France)

450 Rue Baden Powell

Montpellier

France

Online: https://pole-euclide.fr

For Admissions ques�ons, the only authorized contact is:

Mr. Rodrigo Agüero Admissions Officer / Deputy IFC admissions@euclid.int Phone: + 1 202 263-3628